PASADENA, Calif. — Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg felt a boost of confidence late in the second quarter of Ohio State’s 48-45 win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. After the Buckeyes’ defense had allowed the Utes to score a touchdown over four consecutive drives, they finally got a stop. With less than a minute left until halftime, they forced a punt for the first time since the opening series. “It was like, ‘OK, we can do this,’” Eichenberg said. “It came down to getting confidence in everyone.” That feeling proved to be instrumental when they returned for the second half, holding Utah to only 10 points over the final two quarters. How improved defense allowed Ohio State to defeat Utah It was a turnaround that set the stage for a Rose Bowl classic, allowing the Buckeyes’ offense to rally from a 35-21 halftime deficit. “I think it was just some resolve,”…
Continue Reading: Defensive turnaround helps Ohio State football pull off thrilling Rose Bowl comeback
